Dear Aggie Parent
Letter From The President
Welcome to Utah State University, Home of the Aggies
Thank you for supporting your child's decision to come to Utah State University. It is our commitment that the next few years will be filled with opportunities of learning and growth for your student. I have seen first-hand the personal development that occurs as students actively particpate in the learning, discovery, and engagement available at this world-class university. We will also create opportunities for your student to feel that they belong in a community- the "Aggie community."
Utah State University recognizes you are a tremendous partner in helping your student reach their goals. We thank you for your influence and support, both now and in the future, as your student experiences the successses but also the challenges, that will shape their experience as a learner and member of our community. Whether you are a returning parent, a first-time parent, or alumni, this handbook will provide you with resources and information to help support your student's transition to college.
We are excited to have students join us for the college experience that Utah State University offers and applaud them and you for embarking on this thrilling journey. To stay up-to-date on the university's plans, please visit usu.edu/parents, subscribe to the Aggie parent and family podcast, and join the parent and family network for regular newsletter communications.
Welcome to Utah State, and welcome to the Aggie Family.
Sincerely,
Noelle E. Cockett
President
USU Parent & Family Program
The USU Parent & Family Programs Mission is to serve families through programming designed to equip parents with resources they need to help their student succeed at Utah State University. We do this by providing Parent Orientation, Parent Publications & Podcasts, and Deferment & Leave of Absence Outreach.
We provide parents and families with these resources to promote student success and independence at any stage in their student’s academic career at Utah State University.
Resources
FERPA
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a U.S. federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. FERPA protects your student's rights by ensuring we don't release any information to anyone without their consent; that includes you, as parents. In order for you to have access to this information, your student will need to go to myid.usu.edu, and assign you as a delegate, visit the website above.
What is a Delegate?
A delegate is especially useful for, but not limited to, students who may be taking a leave of absence from the university for church or military service. If your student plans to take a leave of absence, a delegate can assist them in making a smooth transition back to USU by acting on their belief.
The adding, changing, or removing of a security phrase and/or delegates is the sole responsibility of the student.
What Can a Delegate Do?
A delegate may act on a students behalf at USU, which means a delegate may:
- Have full access to the student's information.
- Change or update the student's information, including the password.
- Access the student's information in Banner (Access), including their grades and finances, and add or drop classes on the student's behalf.
A few things you may want to know about delegates...
- The student will need to create a security phrase in order to create a delegate.
- Students should designate only those they can trust as their delegate(s) and/or entrust those individuals with their security phrase
Navigating the Parent Handbook
This handbook is designed to be a supplement to the Parent Orientation held before the semester begins. Please use this during and after the orientation in order to stay informed and as a resource in supporting your student throughout the year.
Student Orientation & Transition Services (SOTS)
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the orientation and transition process.
Student Orientation & Transition Services
The Ultimate Parent Resource
This website is a great place for parents to find information regarding:
- Orientation
- Academic Calendar
- Advising
- Notification of Leave
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Parent Newsletter
- Slides and Videos of Parent Orientation
- And More...
Parent & Family Weekend
Football, food, photos, and family. We designate one weekend a year for the whole family to celebrate being an Aggie.
- Aggie Football Game & Other Athletic Events
- Pre-Game BBQ
- Pictures on the "A"
- Library Tour
- Cache Valley Events
USU Alumni Association
usu.edu/alumni
Whether you're a parent, graduate, or both, you are a part of the Aggie Family, and we want to meet you! If you're on campus visting your student, stop by the front desk of the Alumni Welcome Center for a free Aggie Ice Cream coupon.
The Student Alumni Association introduces students to traditions that create a lifelong bond with Utah State. From Homecoming to "A" Week, alumni activities enrich the Aggie culture and remind students - both past and present - why they cherish their experiences at Utah State.
Aggie Network Connects Students with Mentors
aggienetwork.usu.edu
A free online service from the USU Alumni Association, the Aggie Network puts students in touch with USU alumni, faculty, staff, and other professionals eager to help them expand their networks. Students can learn about job and internship opportunities and seek career advice from a community of fellow Aggies.
Ride with Aggie Pride
usu.edu/aplate
With an Aggie license plate, Utah residents can show their Aggie pride every time they drive. The $25 fee directly supports student scholarships.
Get Social
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on what's happening around the university, like the latest info on upcoming alumni events and travel opportunities. Follow along @UtahStateAlumni.
Aggie Ice Cream
750 N. 1200 E.
Logan, UT 84322
May - September
M-F 9 am - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 10 pm
Sun Closed
October - April
M-F 9 am - 9 am
Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun Closed
Call the store
888.586.2735
Aggie Chocolate Factory
1111 N. 800 E.
Suite A104
Logan, UT 84341
Hours
M-F 2 - 8 pm
Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun Closed
Holidays Closed
Call the store
435.797.6427
aggiechocolate@usu.edu
Parent Orientation
The college years are a time of transition for young people and their parents. There is no way to move through such an important passage without some feelings of dislocation and loss. But information and insight can help parents negotiate this significant and often neglected phase of their children’s lives.
Stay Connected
Join the Parent Network to receive customized, timely communications about news, deadlines, campus resources, and more. Subscribe to the Aggie Parent and Family podcast on all major platforms for practical advice about topics ranging from campus safety, academic advising, diversity and inclusion, and the best ways to support your student.
Advice for An Aggie Parent
Some Basic Facts Parents Should Know:
- People with bachelor's degress earn about $1 million more in additional income over their lifetime than those without.
- Financial difficulties are the number one reason students drop out, according to self-reported data.
- Nationally, less than 60% of students who start toward a 4 year degree complete it within 6 years.
- Students who feel a connection to campus and are engaged with co- and extra-curricular activites are more likely to graduate.
Encourage Students to Do the Following:
- Enroll in USU 1010: University Connections.
- Meet with an advisor to create an academic plan.
- Enroll in the right 15 credits each semester (or 30 credits each year).
- Complete the FAFSA each fall, even if they don't think they are Pell-eligible (most scholarships require a completed FAFSA).
- Go to usu.edu/scholarships each January to find and apply for scholarships.
- Get involved with co- and extra-curricular activites (this includes clubs, intramural sports, research with faculty, leadership, etc.).
- Create a 4-year financial plan.
What USU is Doing to Help Students Graduate:
- The University Catalog has suggested 4-year plans for each major (see catalog.usu.edu and select Degree Maps).
- Thrive.usu.edu helps students do more than just survive. This includes a media library full of stories of persistence.
- USU has a variety of resources found in this guidebook. Student fees help pay for these services, so students should use them.
- For more tips on helping your student succeed at every stage in their college career, visit: usu.edu/parents/tips .